Will he or won’t he?

That’s the question many Canadians are asking themselves this week when it comes to the possibility of a fall federal election.

Should Prime Minister Stephen Harper pull the plug on Parliament, residents will head to the polls in October to decide the fate of the current Conservative government.

If you are one of the many who are ambivalent about the possibility of an upcoming campaign, you should rethink your position. The time is right to put the question to the public, and Canadians of all political stripes should be paying attention.

For the past year, partisan politics have largely impeded any progress by the Canadian government on important issues like the economy and the environment.

At a time when the rest of the world is strategizing its response to slumping global markets and building long-term plans to deal with climate change, Harper and Liberal leader Stéphane Dion appear more interested in scoring political points with their party faithful than solving any national crises.

An election will give both parties a clear mandate to move forward. It will also remove any excuse either has in fulfilling its commitments to Canadians.

The Liberals, in particular, need direction from the public when it comes to their role in the House of Commons. Any true Grit should be embarrassed by a party that ducks out of Parliament every time a controversial vote is called simply to save face with members.

No matter what your political allegiance, this upcoming campaign should be closely watched by all residents of Muskoka.

While the riding has benefited immensely from MP Tony Clement’s role in cabinet, residents should ask themselves whether the Tories are the right fit for Canada’s future.

Is our environment, the heart of our economy in Muskoka, being adequately protected for future generations? Or is there a better way?

Will the Liberals' Green Tax Shift be beneficial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, or will it simply burden an already overtaxed rural economy?

What do the NDP and Greens have to offer, and where do they fit in when it comes to Muskoka’s economic future?

There are no easy answers when it comes to these polarizing questions.

Getting involved, however, ensures that your voice is heard by all who are vying to take the reins of leadership on these enormously important debates.

If you need another reason to get into the game this October, consider this: Clement won his seat in Parry Sound-Muskoka by just 21 votes.

His election to Parliament has since impacted the entire country, given his current position as heath minister.

While indifference to political campaigns seems as much a part of the Canadian identity as hockey and Tim Hortons, it is nothing to be proud of.

Our apathy could eventually cost us our coveted top spot among the world’s developed nations.

JL